My Sister's A Therapist- Mental Health, Wellness, and Healing with Humor

Why do some people lose themselves in travel? Why can't either of the sisters handle pot? Why is Venice Syndrome so deadly? These questions and more answered here! #seeker syndrome #mental health #sisters #therapy #international travelMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Listener Samantha writes in with a great topic- what are the hard parts of healing? Why don't I feel like TikTok told me I would? And other great questions.References: Healing: A Journey, Not a Destination: Lindsay PaulsenWhat Does it Mean When Someone Says “Healing Isn’t Linear”?: Pivotal Counseling How Long Does It Take for a New Behavior to Become a Habit?: Scott Frothingham Progress Isn’t Linear: The Myth of The Straight LineHow Strategic Pauses Improve Decisions in Life Transitions: Embracing the space between stimulus and response: James R. Langabeer, PhDThe Grief of Growth: Elizabeth Gillette, LCSWMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Emotional Healing/Personal Growth/Resistance Building

Do people get what they deserve? Why does it feel so much better to think so? Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Why don't people take good advice? We talk about bad habits and intractable people.References: What's the origin of the phrase 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink?”: Phrase Finder4 Hacks for Dealing With Difficult People: Martin Lanik5 Vital Steps to Help You Overcome Resistance: Nina Ahuja, MDThe 3 Most Powerful Ways To Change People Who Don't Want To Change: Kathy CaprinoThe Help Resisters: Martha BeckJordan Klepper Solves Guns: 2017Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Self Help

Laura and Virginia break down the Manosphere documentary by Louis Theroux. Louis, if you're reading this, just know that we love you Theroux and Theroux.Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Misogyny/Cult Behavior

A listener asks- how do tell my husband about my thumb-sucking? And other secrets worth discussing.Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

The girls talk about the hottest tips and trends in restorative sleep, sleepmaxxing, the importance of taking care of yourself.References:201 hours awake: The DJ who dared to defy sleep: by Sasha SpencerMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

As soon as you were born, your Mom told you how important it is to meet a man and get married. Movies told you. Television told you. Even the toys you played with told you. But now, we're not so sure! Should we center ourselves in our own lives?Listener Maria asks how to engage with a partner without losing herself!References:The Artist's Way- Julia CameronFed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward―Shifting the Narrative on Emotional Labor and Gender Roles in Partnerships: Gemma HartleyMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Gender Roles/Relationship Boundaries/Self-Care

What would it take for you to become a jackbooted government-funded thug? The answer might surprise you! Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/ICE/

Dr. Carrick comes on to discuss NET, EMDR, the mind-body connection, chiropractors, and Rene Descartes!References: Netmindbody.comlauraryan.orgAnd How Did That Make You Feel? Podcast: Dr. Kim MakoiStressed: A Documentary Film: The ONE research foundation Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine: Candace B. PertMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

On the eternal attraction of sad, depressed men- Robert Smith, you have set me up for failure:How dating a man with poor self-esteem will destroy your life as well as his! Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Goth/Self-Esteem/Relationships/Narcissism

This week, architect and designer Lane Hicks joins us to talk about the effects of scale on human interaction. She advises on what makes a good church, comedy club, or Chili's, and Laura holds forth for Hobbiton. References:Why Has All The Color Gone Out Of The World? Jason Pargin'Millennial Gray' Is the Color Trend an Entire Generation Can’t Get Enough Of, Move over “sad beige," this is the hottest (slightly more depressing) color scheme.By Leslie Corona  Designing for the Mind: How Architecture Impacts Mental HealthRene JanssenThe Power of Scale: How Proportions Shape Human Experience: Camilla GhisleniWhy Are European City Centers So Much Nicer Than American Ones?: AUSTIN CLINKA Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction by Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray SilversteinRevolutionizing everyday life through community-centric designby Jennifer WegnerHow Does Architecture Affect Mental Health?  Annie Pierson How Urban Design Can Impact Mental Health & Well-being: Agnieszka Olszewska-GuizzoA Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (Center for Environmental Structure Series): Christopher Alexander, et alMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Hygge/Architecture/Urban Design

Are we on a different timeline, is it mass hypnosis, or do we just not know how to spell Bearenstain? Common examples and some explanations for the Mandela Effect. Features a special guest appearance from Star Wars expert Scott Kirkwood.Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness/Memory Distortion/Trauma Recovery/Internet Influence

How can you tell whether a friend is toxic? What if you're the toxic friend? With special guest Maria Bamford!Maria is the star of Lady Dynamite, Comedians of Comedy, and the new Judd Apatow documentary, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford StoryReferences: Chelsea Marie: Tik TokHow to make friends? Study reveals how many hours it takes: Rick Hellman13 Signs Your Best Friend Is Toxic- Bustle10 signs of toxic friendships: Calm.comHow to End a Friendship While Protecting Your HeartBY ZEE KRSTICImago/Maria Bamford/Toxic Friends/Borderline Personality Disorder/BPD/12 Step/Overeaters Anonymous/Anorexia/Bulimia/Addiction/Mental Health/Friendship Dynamics/Toxic Relationships/Self Care/Communication SkillsMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Lily Allen released one of 2025's top albums after being recklessly played by her husband, David Harbour. What happened? What does Virginia suspect? What can we learn about narcissists, narcissist discard, infidelity, and bad boundaries from this record? We also talk about our own rocky relationships, P.Diddy, why men can't stand to see you shine, and much more.References:West End Girl by Lily AllenDavid Harbour*Cluster B* Bipolar*Madeline*Burn Track* Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist*P.Diddy* Narcissism*NPD*Narcissistic Personality Disorder*EMDR*Healing*Hopper*Stranger Things*Kendrick Lamar*Infidelity*Relationship Issues*Self Esteem IssuesMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Is the age of AI the end of the expert? What does it take to achieve mastery of something, and why do we want it so much?References:Outliers: The Story of Success: Malcolm GladwellIt's All In Your Head: How To Achieve Mastery And Improve Performance: Chris CancialosiHow to Level Up At Anything: Using Science to Approach Mastery: Jacqueline M. Kory-WestlundHow To Achieve Mastery: Three Steps To Becoming Great At Anything: Aly JumaThe 4 Essential Ingredients of Expertise Development: Joseph SouthLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist * Expertise * Malcolm Gladwell* Growth* Tips for Learning* Emotional Well-Being* Competition* Mental Health*Skills*Mastery*Feedback/Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

If you're obsessed with your white knight, the fairy tale, and happily ever after- how was your relationship with your Dad? Bad, right?Zach Woods-Emotional Neglect-Lily Allen- Licensed Therapist-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Neglect-Physical Neglect-West End Girl-Robert SmithMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

We get a listener question from Sharon, who twirls her hair for up to five hours a day and wishes she could stop!What are the commonalities between OCD and and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors?Why is it mostly women who exhibit these behaviors?Why is it tricky to rock a rhyme that's right on time?And when did Laura stop sucking her thumb?These questions and more are answered on this week's episode of My Sister's A Therapist!References:Mayo Clinic: Trichotillomania definition DSM-5: Criteria for Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder) University of Oxford: Body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)Is Twirling Your Hair as a Habit a Symptom of an Underlying Condition?: Kathryn Watson Who is at risk for trichotillomania?Trait anger, anger expression, and anger control in trichotillomania: Evidence for the emotion regulation model: Erin E. Curley , Esther S. Tung , Nancy J. Keuthen Mayo Clinic: Medications for TrichotillomaniaOCD*obsessive/compulsive disorder* therapy for OCD*OCD symptoms* OCD treatment*Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, rituals, perfectionism*Cognitive behavioral therapy*CBT*Anxiety, depression, mental health support, therapy*sisters*LMFT*comedian*Virginia Jones*Laura RyanMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

My Sister's A Therapist is dropping a special New Year's Eve episode- where do NYE traditions come from? Why do we have superstitions- and how close are they to OCD?References: The History of New Year’s Eve35 Crazy New Year’s Eve Celebrations Throughout History: The History Collection The psychology of superstition, with Stuart Vyse, PhD: Speaking of Psychology Podcast: Kim MillsHow superstitions may relieve anxiety: Ana SandoiuNYE-NEW YEAR'S EVE-LMFT- LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELOR-RESOLUTION-SUPERSTITION-BALL DROP-CUSTOMS-OCDMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Why does grudge holding feel so good, if it's so bad for you? How can I let go of these feelings, and improve my life? The sisters discuss the benefits of letting it go.Buddhism+Forgiveness+Grudges+#MeToo+Stress+Anxiety+Anger+Therapy+LMFT+Resentment+DysregulationMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Your brain is tricking you, and you love it! Why we are SO CONFIDENT in our memories, although they are USUALLY WRONG. Why we remember traumatic events, and how we can move past them.References:Roger Brown's Flashbulb Memories, Gordon H. Bower's happiness and memories, Endel Tulving's Mind Palace.Adlerian Psychology/Therapy/LMFT/Crisis/Memories/Implanted Memories/False Memories/Pessimism/Optimism/Overwhelm/Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFTMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Laura and Virginia diagnose their favorite characters in the Frank Capra classic, It's A Wonderful Life. We love you, Jimmy Stewart! Mental health- feminism-family dynamics-LMFT -intermittent explosive disorder- Borderline personality disorder-Cluster BMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Sometimes, an episode is based on a fan letter. Sometimes, it's tiktok. This week, it's a conversation Virginia had with a dummy. Where do morals come from? Is it God?Philosophy- moral philosophy- Heinz dilemma- atheism- religionMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend, now?References:Eddie Dresden: Tik Tok "Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? CHANTÉ JOSEPHWhy Do We Prioritize Romantic Over Platonic Love?: embracesexualwellness.comThe Nuclear Family Was a Mistake: David BrooksDecentering Dating: Why Love Isn’t the Only Plotline: Anh Le The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake: David Brooks Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Marriage Right Now? Lotte JeffsThe Trouble With Wanting Men: By Jean GarnettMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Sisters/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

What do Vincent Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, and Louis Wain have in common? The answer won't surprise you!Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

This week, listener Anna asks about white people bs, and we talk about it. Thanks, Anna! References:The Backlash Against “Karen” Memes is Peak White Feminism: By Stephanie YoungerWhat exactly is a 'Karen' and where did the meme come from? Ashitha Nagar Is Barbie Peak White Feminism? Does It Even Matter?: JOURDAIN SEARLESWhen White Women Cry: How White Women's Tears Oppress Women of Color: Mamta Motwani AccapadiIs Barbie Peak White Feminism? Does It Even Matter?: JOURDAIN SEARLESWhen White Women Get Caught: victimhood as racialised violence: ITS JANINEBTWMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

What makes us competitive, and is it a healthy impulse? The girls discuss what makes for healthy, and unhealthy competition- and why American society praises the latter. Guess what, Virginia is talking about Alfred Adler again. A nice moment of vulnerability between sisters as Laura complains about shit Virginia did forty years ago.Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Adlerian Psychology/The Prestige/Amadeus

Will p0rn make you an incel? Well, it might not, but why would you risk it? The girls talk about why Cindy Gallop is their hero, and why we should try to stay connected to each other.References:Pornland: How Porn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality:Gail Dines Make Love, Not Porn: Cindy GallopPorn Sex vs Real Sex: The Differences Explained With FoodAdolescents, Porn, and Mental Health: Understanding the Dangerous Effects of Porn on Developing Minds: culture reframed10 Negative Effects of Porn on Your Brain, Body, Relationships, and SocietyIs Porn Bad For You? Integrative Life Center“I Don’t Hate All Women, Just Those Stuck-Up Bitches”: How Incels and Mainstream Pornography Speak the Same Extreme Language of Misogyny/Violence Against Women: Alessia Tranchese and Lisa SugiuraMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

Listener Rachel asks- Why aren't we ok as we are? We explore the origin of the Beauty Myth and why it just gets stronger with time. References: The Beauty Myth, Naomi WolfMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Beauty Myth/Erin Parsons/Mr. Beast/Family Ties

We thought it was gonna be climate warming, but it looks like the human race is going to chatbot itself to death! How did movies like Her and Blade Runner 2049 try to tell us it was coming? Why does that weird kid have a crossbow? What does Laura's boyfriend Kirk think of all of this? Find out now!Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/ChatBots/Artificial Intelligence

Can you tell the difference between fear and lust? Between excitement and anxiety? And is make up sex the best thing since Adam and Eve? Find out today!References: Misattribution of Arousal-Schacter and Singer, 1962David Ludden Ph.D.The Psychology of Makeup SexMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT

What's Laura's beef with Charlize Theron? Why doesn't Virginia get traffic tickets? These and many more questions answered in this discussion on pretty privilege!References:Smartless Podcast: Episode 123: Charlize TheronSmartless Podcast: Episode 266: Jason Momoa A Psychologist Explains The ‘Pretty Privilege’ Paradox: Mark TraversBeauty is in the eye of the employer: Labor market discrimination of accountantsOffer Moshe Shapir, Zeev Shtudiner The impact of attractiveness on employability: Gender differences in peer effects: Zeev ShtudinerThe Effects of Physical Attractiveness in the Health Care Industry: Richard Shane WestfallStudent beauty and grades under in-person and remote teaching: Adrian MehicPretty People Really Do Have It Better: Sable YongMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Gender Bias/Workplace Bias/Mental Health

How did Winston Churchill ruin Laura's life, and why do we hold onto cruel shoes? How the sunk cost fallacy affects jobs, relationships, and even what we wear.References:Why are we likely to continue with an investment even if it would be rational to give it up?The Decision LabSunk cost fallacy: behavioraleconomics.comSunk Cost Fallacy: Why We Can’t Let Go: Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D.Grey Gardens/The Money Pit/Gambling Addiction/Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

It's been a minute since the girls had a real man-hater episode, but we're back! The topic is: when a groom smashes cake into his bride's face, is it a) funny or b) cause for annulment? On the way, we discuss Jake and Logan Paul, John Gottman, and, of course, our Dad.Marriage/Weddings/Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

The girls diagnose Big and Little Edie, from the documentary classic Grey Gardens. On the way, they discuss Young Ones, both their grandmas, and quote Morrissey, like usual.References: DSM 5  Puzzling Facts About Edith “Big Edie” Bouvier Beale, The Reclusive Socialite: FactinateWill I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing The Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers: Karyl McBrideMayo Clinic: Schizotypal Personality DisorderA Debutante Delayed: Little Edie Beale's Life After Grey Gardens: Adrienne GaffneyCenter Theater Group: THE EDIES AFTER 'GREY GARDENS'Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

In which Virginia invents a new word for what chiropractors do, Laura talks about flip flops and they both talk about what Enclothed Cognition means. Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Special guest Courtney Orlando comes on to talk STRESS! Where does it come from? What can we do about it? Find her at https://www.nodalpointenergyworks.com/References: What Are the Impacts of Stress on the Body and Mind?: University of Florida College of Medicine More than a quarter of U.S. adults say they’re so stressed they can’t function: APAStress in America Is EscalatingRita Watson, MPH (master of public health)Most & Least Stressed Cities in America (2025) Adam McCannMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Does being famous make you an a-hole, or does being an a-hole make you famous? Virginia bemoans the failures of Neil Gaiman, Bill Cosby, and Armie Hammer. References: A third of male university students say they would SA a woman if there no were no consequences: Jon StoneMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

How to disappoint others and why it's important! The philosophy of The We Do Not Care Club, The Big Lebowski, and The Former Airport Chauffeur. Sponsored by Function Health! Function Health- Give us your blood!References:Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward: by Gemma HartleyDr. Laurie Santos on The Happiness Lab podcastMerriam-WebsterLearning to disappoint people: Emily LeySelf-Silencing Is Making Women Sick: Maytal Eyal, PhDDon’t let me down: how to get over a fear of disappointing others: Elizabeth PerryWhen You Have a Fear of Disappointing Others: Kate O’Brien, LCATMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Are you your own worst enemy? Learn all the different ways you can trip yourself up- and how to set yourself up for success!Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Is gossip all bad? What gave it a bad reputation? Why wouldn't Virginia go back to the 19th century? What's the best gossip from your hometown?Why You Were Born to Gossip: David Ludden, PhDExplaining the evolution of gossip: Michele J. GelfandTHE DIVINE ORIGIN OF THE WORD GOSSIP Written By Sanne Cheney-SteijgerHow the Demonization of “Gossip” Is Used to Break Women’s Solidarity: SILVIA FEDERICIMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

This week, the girls talk over Little Orphan Annie impersonators, the legality of dome lights, and why parents lie to their children every dang day of the year!Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Virginia and Laura talk about a disturbing new corporate trend, Morrissey and KDGE, and why they don't want cutesey phrases written on their Starbucks cups.References:‘Forced Joy’ Is a Miserable Corporate Trend: Beth KowittJapan supermarket chain uses AI to gauge staff smiles, speech tones in quality service push: Fran LuTiffany Workers Mock Forced 'Joy' That Exacerbated Staff Exits: BloombergAre You Happy Yet? The Dysfunction Of Forced Joy And Toxic Positivity: Vibhas RatanjeeMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

This smells like....a cult? This week, we discuss religious cults, and whether or not MAGA qualifies as a cult. On the way, we talk about bikini coffee places, Saturday's Warrior, and how to deprogram someone on the cheap.Steven Hassan's BITE ModelSolution to Our Political Cults | Public Square MagazineExplaining the Trump loyalty cult phenomenonSaturday's WarriorDoes it matter how much Democrats and Republicans hate each other? Yes, it does- David Andreatta Carnegie Endowment for Political peace- PolarizationMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

A listener asks: when should I stop trying to save everyone? Is it OK to look for friends that have also tried to improve themselves? And the sisters ask, where did that bottle of peppermint schnapps go, is it under the bathroom sink?Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Look out, Virginia's reading a book about Socrates. Let's talk about it. Why are we so stubborn about schedules? Why were Summers longer when you were little? What is Cher's life philosophy? What were Joseph Smith's last words? Find out now!References: Open Socrates- Agnes CallardFreeing Your Child From Anxiety-⁠Tamar Chansky, PhD⁠Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Incredible comedian, podcaster, and record producer Brandie Posey joins us to discuss her experiences with aphantasia, and how it has shaped her creativity and life. Virginia also explains where left handed people come from. Brandie Posey is part of the stunning Lady To Lady podcast, she is a touring national headliner, and she manages her own record label, Burn This Records. Laura Ryan is a licensed marriage and family therapist, she has a beautiful singing voice, and tried out for The Voice once but they didn't take her which is , frankly, their loss. Virginia Jones has appeared on Portlandia, at the San Francisco Sketchfest, and in the hearts and minds of little children everywhere. References:What is the relationship between Aphantasia, Synaesthesia and Autism? CJ DanceI can’t picture things in my mind. I didn’t realize that was unusual: Shayla LoveAUTISM AND APHANTASIA: A SHARED NEUROLOGICAL THREAD? Capstone Mental Health Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Frequent and beloved contributor Wells suggests this week's topic, workaholism, which we take as a good reason to swap Dad stories and stuff we learned from bad bosses. Also, don't be a workaholic, it's probably the dumbest kind of aholic. References:FORBES: 7 signs you may be a workaholic- Amy MorinAbout SchmidtMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

This week, Virginia and Laura respond to listener Zach's question about divorce, and on the way they discuss Debra DiGiovanni's new album, Honorable Intentions, wasp stings, and why divorce is dangerous for your health!REFERENCES: Facts About Divorce in America 2024: Terry & Roberts Law The Real Long-Term Physical and Mental Health Effects of Divorce- Ann Gold Buscho Ph.D.Gender Differences in the Consequences of Divorce: A Study of Multiple Outcomes-Thomas Leopold Knowing This One Thing Helped Me Recover Faster from My Divorce-Carol MaddenMental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness

Laura and Virginia take turns crying, comforting each other, and talking about their favorite dead people, and how to get through losing people you love. Mental Health Advice/Pop Culture/Mental Health Awareness/Trauma Recovery/Sisters/Wellness & Healing/Humor/Trauma Healing/Humor & Healing/Licensed Therapist/LMFT/Mental Wellness